Alaska and Hawaiian to fly Seattle to Osaka from May 2027 and to Papeete from June 2027

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will launch nonstop flights from Seattle to Osaka Kansai and to Papeete in Tahiti in 2027, Alaska announced on 20 October 2026. Hawaiian Airlines will operate both routes, which the airlines say will be the only nonstop services between Seattle and the two cities.

The Osaka route starts on 14 May 2027 with four weekly flights year-round, using an Airbus A330-200. The Papeete service begins on 11 June 2027 with three weekly flights year-round on the same aircraft type, under flight number AS987, a reference to French Polynesia's postal codes. Alaska says passengers will have same-day connections in Papeete to Bora Bora and Moorea, and to Rarotonga through an expanded partnership with Air Tahiti.

The two routes are the eighth and ninth long-haul intercontinental destinations announced from Seattle, where Alaska is building towards at least 15 such destinations by 2030. Hawaiian will keep its existing Honolulu–Osaka service. The A330s offer lie-flat business class Suites, and Alaska says free Starlink Wi-Fi is available to Atmos Rewards members.

All new routes remain subject to government approval and the published schedules may change. Travellers planning these trips should check the final timetable and connection details with the airline before booking.